Whittley XS Sports: Boat Comparison
Stagnation is a real danger in business but not one Whittley Marine looks like suffering. Successful in cruisers, bluewater fishing boats and small runabouts, and with experience building the ski/wake-boat brand SPY, the team has now branched out into its own sports boats with a twist.
Taking an already proven pair of hulls, in mid-2016 the company launched two new models – the XS20 and XS24. Based off the successful CR2080 and CR2380, both hulls suited to inboard engines, the company has crossed into a new realm of sleepover sports boats, perfect for families and enthusiasts alike.
FUN FACTOR
There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time with family, especially when it involves mid-summer watersports. Both models are aimed squarely at the opportunity to overnight and relax while also having the ability to tow a wakeboarder, ski or biscuit. They will suit families young and old who want more from their boats, people who want to be able to spend a relaxing evening on board after a hectic day’s play.
The XS24 in particular has a dream ride thanks to the bluewater pedigree of the base CR2380 hull, and both carve water with ease thanks to the deep-digging Volvo Duoprop legs.
INNOVATION
When was the last time you saw a near 2m berth on a sports boat? How about a cooker? I thought so. These new hulls extend the already successful base package of the Cruiser hulls they come from and add good looks, high-quality Fluidcore towers, massive sound systems and more durable touch points suitable for their intended use. The vinyl surfaces and heavy-duty carpets will stand the test of time with clambering youth while, in the larger XS24, the standard galley offers the chance to heat drinks and dinner or keep a swarm of cold ones on hand for the longer days.
DESIGN & LAYOUT
The smaller of the two, the XS20 makes do without the XS24’s excellent galley but retains the sink and freshwater holding, plus a cassette toilet as standard. Both have large berths clad in vinyl with fold-up in-fills. The larger XS24 features a raised cockpit, allowing the engine cover to be better integrated into the massive rear L-lounge, plus a step-down galley with plenty of headroom. Both feature seats moulded into their upper decks and massive rear platforms handy for off loading and preparing for action.
QUALITY OF FINISH
Whittley builds with passion through a closeknit and dedicated team. I had the pleasure of a full factory tour recently and noted many staff have been there almost their full careers. This translates into attention to detail, pride of workmanship and an ability to appreciate the other steps of the boatbuilding process, all reflected in a quality build.
PERFORMANCE
The XS24 was the pick of the two for straight-line performance, no doubt thanks to the upgrade to the powerful 280hp Volvo Penta V6. The XS20 featured its standard engine, the 200hp Volvo Penta V6 which is more than enough power for the hull.
The engines share the same 4300cc block and masses of cutting-edge technology, including variable cam timing and direct injection. The outcome is engines that are environmentally friendly that have more punch than you expect which, when coupled with contra-rotating Duoprops, launch the hulls effortlessly onto the plane – great for wakeboarders and waterskiers.
Although we weren’t testing for economy outright, past testing of the range has shown near outboard economy of almost 1nm per litre at a constant cruise in the Cruiser variants. At wide-open throttle and trimmed out we saw mid-40kt speeds on the flat Lake Eildon water in the XS24, with early 40s in the XS20.
HANDLING & RIDE
The ride in both the models is faultless for their intended purpose. Both could turn on a dime and both were easily manoeuvred thanks to the masses of grip afforded by the Duoprop system. While neither has the full-on wake or surf-making abilities of stalwarts such as Malibu or Master Craft (the Whittley’s lack wedges and ballast after all) both could throw up a good beginner wake and even enough for a small wave to surf. We had a few ring-in riders show us what the hulls could do and both boats did well, with everyone happy with the rope height, wake and adjustability of speed through the cable-controlled throttles, and having no issue getting out of the water.
STABILITY AT REST
The deeper V of the hulls takes away some stability but the low-slung weight of the V6s adds some back. They’re not as stable as you’d get with a dedicated ballast-filled sports boat but they are surprisingly good for what started out as bluewater hulls.
ERGONOMICS
Room around the helm in the XS20 is tight and a lack of adjustability due to the moulded seat bases is a let-down. Windscreen height is oriented to offshore use, which leads to relying on your spotter more as you scan the horizon for obstacles.
Movement through to the V-berths is good and access to the boarding platforms great, with the designated pathways through the seating clear. The rear platforms are at a good height for preparation and water access, while in the XS24 the step-down galley offers masses of headroom under the tower and bimini. While the 24 features room for a 12in screen, the XS20 dash is small and lacks room for separate sounders.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Whittley boats come with everything you need, but the XS range takes it further. Standard features include cassette toilets, fresh water, graphics, fully lined berths and of course the outstanding Fluidcore towers.
They also have the excellent Volvo engines and Duoprop systems, plus boarding platforms with first-rate non-slip padding, while the 24 features the full galley as standard. Options are limited to a few upgrades and electronics including TV monitors and LED light bars that come in handy for launching or retrieving in the dark. The XS24 had been optioned with the new Whittley Pulse system that allows fully integrated control of almost all switching on board, even remote engine starting. I like this system as it means all data from the engine, lights and bilge switches – and even control of the epic FUSION sound system – are right in front of the driver and easy to see at a glance.
VALUE FOR MONEY
It’s hard to put a value on unique products like the XS models but comparing them to dedicated watersports boats, they’re bargains. Take some value out for a lack of true watersports features like ballast and wedges but add some back for the galley (XS24), true overnight ability and flexibility of use, and they come out as great value for money.
THE WRAP
Whittley has found a gap in the market and carved a position by being the first mover. The hulls ride exceptionally well and with the purposeful use of hardwearing materials and the addition of the Fluidcore towers to an already strong set of standard features, these new boats could be stars in the summer months and beyond.
More about Whittley Boats
Find Whittley boats for sale.
WHITTLEY XS20
PRICED FROM A$79,990
OPTIONS FITTED
Dual batteries, Finscan digital switching, Garmin 5in GPS/combo, upgraded FUSION stereo, TV with additional speakers, front flyscreen, LED light bar
PRICE AS TESTED
A$89,990
GENERAL
MATERIAL Fibreglass
TYPE Crossover
LENGTH 7.1m
BEAM 2.2m
WEIGHT 1720kg (approx. BMT)
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 6
FUEL 100L
WATER 43L
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL Volvo 200G
TYPE Direct injection petrol V6
RATED HP 200
DISPLACEMENT 4300cc
WEIGHT 404kg (inc DPS drive)
GEAR RATIO 1.85
PROPELLER FH3 Duoprop
WHITTLEY XS24
PRICED FROM A$119,990
OPTIONS FITTED
280hp engine upgrade, dual batteries, hot water, Garmin 10in MFD and camera, TV and additional speakers, upgraded FUSION sound system, fly screen, LED light bar, electric winch, Finscan digital switching, electric toilet upgrade, trim tabs, rear bed, carbon fibre-look cabin door
PRICE AS TESTED
A$156,990
GENERAL
MATERIAL Fibreglass
TYPE Crossover
LENGTH 7.8m
BEAM 2.44m
WEIGHT 2600kg (approx. BMT)
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 7
FUEL 205L
WATER 100L
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL Volvo
TYPE Direct injection petrol V6
RATED HP 280
DISPLACEMENT 4300cc
WEIGHT 404kg (inc DPS drive)
GEAR RATIO 1.85
PROPELLER FH4 Duoprop
SUPPLIED BY
WHITTLEY MARINE
99 Freight Drive
Melbourne, Victoria
PHONE +61 3 8339 1800
WEB www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au.